Featured image: Lucy Vincent

The Manchester Met Student Union hosted the Black Woman Rising art exhibition, organised by Textile students Luka Simone and Mia Alexander. The exhibition paid homage to this year’s Black History Month theme ‘Saluting our Sisters,’ emphasising the pivotal role Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.

After the success of last year’s Black Canvas exhibition, which showcased a variety of black Manchester Met students’ work, Luka and Mia wanted to create their own art exhibition.

Luka said: “We wanted to create something that promoted representation, particularly for black women, through art. We weren’t aware of any similar events happening this year for Black History Month, so we decided to take the initiative to do it ourselves and create a space that was accessible to all.”

Students were encouraged to submit work in any medium that had a focus on black women and what it’s like to be a black woman in Britain.

Mia said: “When you look around the room and see that you are the only two black people on your course, it’s hard not to notice. We wanted people to come with the hope that they would not have seen anything like this before and get to experience new music and food and be really immersed.”

They both explained how it’s important to educate others about different cultures and how this is an amazing way to communicate and understand parts of black history.

Luka said: “As my heritage is Jamaican/white British, I believe I have the privilege of being able to see things through two lenses.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become much more aware of the challenges and plight faced by black women and the need to not just talk about the struggle but also to recognize and celebrate their beauty and brilliance.”

On display was a diverse mix of work, from paintings to ceramics and mixed media pieces, all created by students from different courses.

One of those students whose work was displayed is third-year textiles student Sagarika Silwal, with a portrait painting titled ‘Emerald Vision.’ Her piece celebrates the beauty and strength of a black woman, capturing confidence in the future through the interplay of colours.

Sagarika pointed out that, just like the emerald stone, the green eyeshadow symbolises truth and love, qualities that are essential for humanity’s progression and prosperity.

Sagarika also expressed how being a part of this exhibition allowed her to engage with a diverse community of artists. She said: ‘I feel grateful for this opportunity to showcase my work while supporting fellow artists who share a common goal of promoting diversity and representation in design.”

Luka displayed a two-piece abstract textile wall hanging featuring strands of curled hair. She explained the desire to capture the common experience of black or mixed women whose hair is frequently objectified, with people often expressing a desire to touch it — an encounter she herself has undergone.

The irony lies in the creation of an art piece entirely centred around hair that is designed to be touched. Through the incorporation of various textures and vibrant colours, Luka intentionally encourages viewers to engage tactilely with the artwork.

“The work I make is very different; being mixed race, there are a lot of negative comments people will make,” Luka explained.

“In the past, I have taken these comments and used them in my artwork to communicate my experience. However, the focus of this exhibition was on the joys of being black.”

Alexander created a mixed-media artwork called ‘Waste Beads’. She used discarded paper rolled into beads to symbolise the importance of feminine beauty. She explained: “They are an important part of a woman’s attire, worn in daily life or on special occasions. I wanted to symbolise African culture and womanhood.”

Exhibition-goers enjoyed a taste of Caribbean quinzaine from local caterer Nyammings. Simone, whose father is Jamaican, and Alexander, with Jamaican ancestry, both enjoyed having the connection to this food available for people to experience and try.

When asking Luka and Mia for advice about women wanting to study design or exhibit their work in the future, they both agreed: “Just do it! It’s important for minority artists to contribute to getting the representation they deserve, leading to a more equitable future in the design world.”

To find out how you can host your own event at the Student Union, email theunion@mmu.ac.uk.

You can also find more of Luka Simone and Mia Alexander’s artwork on their Instagram @lukaasimoneart and @miaalextextiles